SPORTS, After All, IS ALL ABOUT INCLUSION

WHAT IS THE WORLD CHAMPIONS PROGRAMME - CRICKET FOR THE BLIND?
Cricket is a religion that binds our country. The passion for the game transcends age, race, geographies and languages. This passion for the game also extends to the visually impaired. They are equally committed to the game and have overcome great odds to be a part of the sport.

CABI - Sports Initiative of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled to aid the Indian Blind Cricket Team in their quest for sporting glory. Winners of many championships, these cricketers are a true manifestation of exceptional human spirit and the instinct to perform, regardless of disabilities.

OUR SUPPORT! Under The World Champions Programme - Cricket for the Blind, we will be promoting the Indian Blind Cricket Team consisting of 26 players. Using the medium of cricket, the visually impaired can be taught to have an optimistic outlook towards life, build-up their confidence and strive for victory.

This programme aims to assist the players in outshining their capabilities, help them surpass boundaries, give exposure to their talent and encourage their visually impaired peers to practise this sport on a larger scale.

SPORTS IS A MEDIUM FOR SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT

ABOUT SAMARTHANAM TRUST FOR THE DISABLED In 1997, Mahantesh G.K. envisioned an organization to provide opportunities for deserving and talented children, regardless of disability and economic background. Thus, more than a decade ago, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled came into existence to provide free hostel facilities to deserving students.

Since its inception, Samarthanam has been working to empower the visually impaired, disabled and underprivileged people in India by providing quality education, accommodation, food, vocational training and placement-based rehabilitation, and enables them to achieve personal independence.

ABOUT CABI Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), the cricketing arm of Samarthanam, was registered to govern cricket tournaments in India. CABI is the apex body organizing cricket for the blind and is affiliated to World Blind Cricket Ltd. (WBC). CABI organizes Zonal, State and National cricket tournaments in India and abroad, and was conferred the hosting rights to organize T-20 World Cup for the Blind.

CABI is currently participating in the “5th ODI World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2018” from 7th January to 21st January, 2018 in Dubai. The tournament has participation from 6 nations, including India Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Australia.

PLAYER PROFILE

Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy

Age

:

26

Hometown

:

Gurazala, Andhra Pradesh

Education/Qualification

:

B.A. Graduate

Category

:

B2 (Partially Blind)

Ajay Kumar lost his vision due to an accident at the age of 4. He was introduced to Blind Cricket by his seniors in Blind School. Former Indian Blind Cricket Captain, Shekhar Naik, motivated Ajay Kumar to take up the sport. While in school, he started his Blind Cricket innings with a District Level Tournament. His first International Tournament was against England in 2010. So far, he has received multiple awards and aspires to win many more.

ACHIEVEMENTS

More than 50 ‘Man of the Series’ and ‘Man of the Match’ awards

Was a part of the ODI World Cup winning team

Received a cash reward from the Sports Ministry and MSJE

Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team

Received the ‘Best Sports Person’ award from the Andhra Pradesh Government

Received a promotion from ‘Clerk’ to ‘Officer’ under sports quota

Dunna Venkateswara Rao

Age

:

26

Hometown

:

URK Puram, Andhra Pradesh

Education/Qualification

:

12th Pass

Category

:

B2 (Partially Blind)

Dunna started playing Blind Cricket since the time he was in Blind School. The sport has given him an optimistic outlook towards life. While his first State Tournament was at Kurnool in 2008, Dunna’s first International match was against Pakistan in 2011. Dunna aspires to hold world records in the game under his name.

ACHIEVEMENTS

15 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner in State, Zonal and National Tournaments

Man of the Match’ awards in South Zone, National and International Tournaments

Received cash rewards of Rs. 7 Lakh and Rs. 1.5 Lakh from the Government of India

Was a part of the ODI World Cup winning team in 2014

Sunil R.

Age

:

18

Hometown

:

Alduru, Karnataka

Education/Qualification

:

12th Pass

Category

:

B3 (Partially Sighted)

An accident at the age of 4 years damaged Sunil’s eyesight. He started studies at a Blind School where he was formally introduced to Blind Cricket by his seniors. His first State Tournament was at Ramnagar in 2012. The 2016 Asia Cup was his first step in International Cricket. Sunil’s youthfulness and zest makes him a powerful player.

ACHIEVEMENTS

6 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner in State, Zonal and National Tournaments

8 time ‘Man of the Match’ award winner in the South Zone, National and International Tournaments

Received a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 Lakh from the Government of India

Received a cash reward of Rs. 5 Lakh from the State Government of Karnataka

Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016

Prakasha Jayaramaiah

Age

:

32

Hometown

:

Channapatana, Karnataka

Education/Qualification

:

SSLC

Category

:

B3 (Partially Sighted)

Prakasha lost his eyesight to an accident when he was just 8 months old. He was inspired to play Blind Cricket at school when he witnessed his senior engaged in the sport. The State Tournament at Ramnagar in 1998 marked his professional entry in the sport. 12 years later in 2010, Prakasha played his first International match against England. Prakasha is an experienced player and his insights and learnings are an inspiration for upcoming Blind Cricketers.

ACHIEVEMENTS

40 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner in State, Zonal and National Tournaments

88 time ‘Man of the Match’ award winner in South Zone, National and International Tournaments

Received a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 Lakh from the Government of India

Received a cash reward of Rs. 5 Lakh from the State Government of Karnataka

Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016

Prem Kumar G.

Age

:

26

Hometown

:

Seesam Gunthala, Andhra Pradesh

Education/Qualification

:

B.A. Graduate

Category

:

B1 (Fully Blind)

Prem Kumar was 7 years old when an accident made him lose his eyesight. His Blind Cricket coaching started when he was in school and his first State Tournament was at Nandyala in 2007. The 2016 Asia Cup marked his debut on the International field. Prem Kumar believes his sincerity will guide him to win many championships for the team.

ACHIEVEMENTS

2 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner in State, Zonal and National Tournaments

8 time ‘Man of the Match’ award winner in the South Zone, National and International Tournaments

Received a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 Lakh from the Government of India

Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016

T. Durgarao

Age

:

20

Hometown

:

Kopparavalasa, Andhra Pradesh

Education/Qualification

:

B.Com Graduate

Category

:

B3 (Partially Sighted)

Durgarao was 5 years old when an accident led to an eye injury which caused complete blindness. His sports journey began after his peers at Blind School encouraged him to take up Blind Cricket. His first tournament was in the year 2011. In the World Cup 2014 held in South Africa, Durgarao played his first International match against Pakistan.

ACHIEVEMENTS

4 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner in State, Zonal, National and International Tournaments

15 time ‘Man of the Match’ award winner in South Zone, National and International Tournaments

Anil Bhai Jayesh Bhai Gariya

Age

:

28

Hometown

:

Ugta, Gujarat

Education/Qualification

:

12th Pass and Specialization in PTC

Category

:

B2 (Partially Blind)

Anil is one of the most experienced players in the team. He lost his sight at the age of 3 to an accident. He had always been active and energetic in his Blind School. His Sports teacher motivated him to practice Blind Cricket and to utilize his energy in the sport. His first tournament was at District Level in the year 1999. His International innings began in 2016, in the Asia Cup. Along with being a Blind Cricketer, Anil is also an athlete and has won accolades in Athletics.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Several ‘Man of the Match’ and ‘Man of the Series’ awards

Received a cash reward from the MSJE

Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016

Has won medals in Athletics

Ganesh Bhai Ishwar Bhai Muhundkar

Age

:

28

Hometown

:

Rajpuri Jungle, Gujarat

Education/Qualification

:

12th Pass

Category

:

B2 (Partially Blind)

Ganesh was just 4 years old when he met with an accident that left him blind. He took up Blind Cricket while in school and played his first State Level Tournament in the year 2001. The 4th ODI World Cup in 2014 marked his debut in International Cricket.

ACHIEVEMENTS

2 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner

Several ‘Man of the Match’ awards

Received a cash reward from the Sports Ministry and MSJE

Was a part of the 4th ODI World Cup winning team in 2014

Rambir Singh

Age

:

18

Hometown

:

Shahzadpur, Haryana

Education/Qualification

:

B.A. 1st Year

Category

:

B3 (Partially Sighted)

Rambir lost his vision to Cancer. His friends at Blind School encouraged and supported him to join their Blind Cricket team. He played his first tournament in the year 2006 and his first International Tournament in 2016. Rambirâ€™s age and his energy make him a player to vouch for.

1 time â€˜Man of the Seriesâ€™ award winner

2 time â€˜Man of the Matchâ€™ awards

Received a cash reward from the MSJE

Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016

Deepak Malik

Age

:

21

Hometown

:

Bhainswal Kalan, Haryana

Education/Qualification

:

11thPass

Category

:

B3 (Partially Sighted)

At a very young age, Deepak lost his vision after an ignited firecracker accidently found its way to his eyes. He started his education in a Blind School where he became familiar with Blind Cricket. His seniors were already a part of the team that played International Tournaments and considering them his idols, Deepak decided to pursue the sport. His first School tournament was in 2011 and within a span of 3 years, he played his first International match against Pakistan. Apart from cricket, Deepak is also interested in Athletics.

ACHIEVEMENTS

8 time 'Man of the Series' award winner

Several '˜Man of the Match' awards

10 medals in Athletics

Surajit Ghara

Age

:

22

Hometown

:

Kanchanpur, West Bengal

Education/Qualification

:

12thPass

Category

:

B2 (Partially Blind)

Surajit is blind by birth. The Bengal Blind Cricket Board and Management motivated him to practice Blind Cricket and he took up the sport in school. His first National Level Tournament was in 2013, where he represented his State. Soon after in the next year, Surajit played his first International match against Australia. Surajit has never seen the world but he is adamant to make this world proud of him with his achievements.

ACHIEVEMENTS

3 time 'Man of the Series' award winner

Several 'Man of the Match' awards

Sonu Golkar

Age

:

30

Hometown

:

Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh

Education/Qualification

:

M.A. Graduate

Category

:

B1 (Fully Blind)

Sonu lost his vision due to complications during a surgery. At school, Sonu frequently interacted with his seniors who were a part of the Blind Cricket team. His teacher encouraged him to join their team and thus began Sonuâ€™s journey. He represented his school in his very first tournament in 1999 and in 2015, he featured in International Cricket where he played against England. The journey and spirit of his fellow International players motivate him to excel in this sport.

ACHIEVEMENTS

2 time 'Man of the Series' award winner

Several 'Man of the Match' awards

Received a Cash reward from the MSJE

Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016

MD. Jafar Iqbal

Age

:

28

Hometown

:

Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Education/Qualification

:

M.A. Graduate

Category

:

B1 (Fully Blind)

Jafar is blind by birth. His first encounter with Blind Cricket happened while in school and since then, the sport has become an integral part of his life. He got selected for a State Level Tournament in 2000 and his first International Tournament was in 2011 against Pakistan. Jafar is an experienced player and encourages young talent to participate in this sport.

ACHIEVEMENTS

5 time 'Man of the Series' award winner

Several '˜Man of the Match' awards

Received a cash reward from the MSJE and Sports Ministry

Received cash rewards from the Odisha Government

Nareshbhai Tumda

Age

:

26

Hometown

:

Navsari, Gujarat

Education/Qualification

:

10th Pass

Category

:

B1

Nareshbhai lost vision in his right eye when the fluid from a Papaya leaf fell into it. After he was enrolled in a school for the blind near Surat, he became interested in cricket and started showing an immense talent for the game, lapping up laurels from all quarters. Post his Zonal and National Tournament wins, he is ready for his maiden innings in the National Team.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Scored 126 runs for Gujarat in a match against Mumbai

Declared Man of the Match at a match in Lucknow

An athlete with an excellent performance in Long Jump and 100-meter events

Basappa Vadgol

Age

:

23

Hometown

:

Belgaum, Karnataka

Education/Qualification

:

B. A (Arts)

Category

:

B1

Basappa, visually impaired since birth, got introduced to the world of cricket at his blind school. He made the most of his passion for the sport by participating in school team events and state level matches. His skills were noticed by the fraternity and he is all set to foray into the big league with his debut match in World Cup 2018.

ACHIEVEMENTS

He’s an all-rounder who can bat, ball and field equally well

Mahendra Vaishnav

Age

:

32

Hometown

:

Hyderabad

Education/Qualification

:

Degree in HR

Category

:

B1

As a kid, Mahendra developed Steven Jolram Syndrome and was operated for it. However, he soon developed chronic dry eye syndrome and lost his eyesight. At the blind school he attended, he developed a passion for the game and was picked for the Indian Team for Blind Cricket. In his first match itself, he showed potential and is ready to repeat his stellar act in Dubai as well!

ACHIEVEMENTS

He is the first blind cricketer from India to set a world record in bowling– five wickets in an innings

Pankaj Bhue

Age

:

23

Hometown

:

Bargash, Orissa

Education/Qualification

:

Diploma in Elementary Education

Category

:

B3

Visually impaired since birth, Pankaj never let that come in the way of chasing his dreams that of playing cricket and representing the country at the National Level. The turning point came when he was selected to play for his district in 2006. The same year, he was also selected for the State. His streak continued as he was selected for the Indian Team in 2011, and he is now gunning for victory at the World Cup.

ACHIEVEMENTS

He took three wickets in the finals of the T-20 World Cup to help India lift the World Cup